Admissions Criteria 2007-2008

Full details of our Admission Criteria can be found in The South Eastern Education and Library Board Transfer booklet. However, criteria can be complicated and you may find the following useful.

If we can be of further help, please contact Miss Roisin Smith at or on 028 9040 5584

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. As Lagan College is oversubscribed, is there any point applying, as my child may have very little chance of gaining admission?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   Although Lagan College has currently more pupils applying than we are able to take, we will, like all schools, be less heavily over-subscribed in the future due to a downturn in the school age population. Moreover, almost 75% of first preference applicants in 2006 were successful in gaining admission.
   
   
   
2. My son/daughter attends a controlled/maintained primary school. Will they find it difficult to gain admission, because a large number of successful applicants attend integrated primary schools?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   Approximately 25% of applicants to Lagan College are from the integrated primary sector. (Overall, primary and post primary integrated schools account for just 6% of the whole school population). This means that 75% of pupils admitted to Year 8 come from controlled and maintained primary schools and this gives an excellent balance to our Year Group.
   
   
   
3. My child attends an integrated primary school. Is it true that a significant number of pupils from integrated primary schools are unsuccessful in gaining admission to Lagan College ?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   In fact, a very small number of applicants from integrated primary schools is unsuccessful in gaining places in Lagan College. In the last five years, the average percentage of applicants from integrated primary schools who were unsuccessful in gaining admission is between 1% and 2%.
   
   
   
4. Do I need to apply twice to Lagan College, once for the grammar stream entry and once for the all-ability entry?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   Any unsuccessful applicants for the grammar stream will automatically be considered for the all-ability entry. Only one application needs to be made. Once an applicant is admitted, progress is regularly reviewed and all pupils have an opportunity to work at a pace which is suited to their ability in different subjects.
   
   
   
5. Is it true that my child will be disadvantaged in his/her application, because we do not live in close proximity to the College?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   Geographical proximity occurs at the end of the selection process but we never, in fact, have had to use this criteria. The College is served by a wide network of 16 school buses and our students say that one of the things they most enjoy about the school is the opportunity to make friends with a range of people from different areas and backgrounds.
   
   
   
6. I wish to apply for admission to a Year other than Year 8. What is the procedure?
   Answer
   
   FACT
   Written application may be made to the College Principal at any time. Students are not normally accepted into Year 12 or Year 14. Applicants for post 16 should apply to Mrs MacParland, the Director of Sixth Form studies.